First Acts for Robert Smith's Meltdown Revealed

James Kilpin

6 Mar 2018

Erstveröffentlicht 6 Mar 2018

The Soutbank Centre's annual alternative music and culture festival Meltdown celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion they have asked The Cure's Robert Smith to be the guest curator (following in the footsteps of Bowie, Yoko Ono, Morrissey, Anohni, Laurie Anderson and others).

And as you might expect from one of British alternative music's most recognisable figures, the first lineup is an impressive showing of acts.

From the UK, the likes of The Libertines, Manic Street Preachers,Placebo and The Psychedelic Furs represent the strength of the of the country's indie and alternative rock scene over the last four decades.

And on the heavier end of things, there are American alternative metallers Deftones and industrial rock veterans Nine Inch Nails, while experimental and post-rock comes from icons of the scene Mogwai, MONO and 65daysofstatic.

Shoegaze legends My Bloody Valentine complete the first announcement, along with The Notwist, Alcest and Kristin Hersch.

Curator Robert Smith has described the chance to curate the festival as "a dream come true" – "As each invitee confirms, as each shimmering piece falls into place, I pinch myself - this is really happening... and the complete picture will undoubtedly be out of this world!"